Free Things to Do in Ithaca
With a population consisting of around 30% students at any given time, Ithaca is always buzzing with affordable things to do for visitors and locals alike! From museums and hikes to visiting local lakes and natural attractions, there’s plenty to see and do in Ithaca without spending a dime!
Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Ithaca offers countless opportunities to enjoy nature’s playground—free of charge! Take a stroll, bike ride, or dog walk along the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, or explore the Black Diamond Trail’s railroad legacy with views of pastoral agricultural lands and dozens of ravines surrounded by the sounds of cascading waters.
Want to spend some time indoors? Examine artworks by Rembrandt, Matisse, and Georgia O'Keefe at the Herman F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University. Admission is always free! You can also explore the rest of the beautiful Cornell campus — don't miss the Botanic Gardens!
If you're here in the spring, stop by the annual Ithaca Festival to enjoy our city's art and music scene for free. In the fall, you can catch local talent and celebrate the harvest season at the Apple Harvest Festival. There are plenty of free events in Ithaca all year long — be sure to check our event calendar to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings.